National Defence Medal is a medal for doing nothing
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BroomstickPilot,
I started this thread a couple of years ago. We adorn all manner of deserving folk and non deserving flunkies with baubles, yet..
http://www.pprune.org/military-aviat...l-wounded.html
I started this thread a couple of years ago. We adorn all manner of deserving folk and non deserving flunkies with baubles, yet..
http://www.pprune.org/military-aviat...l-wounded.html
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Personally I would award a VC to all those killed in action as you cannot argue that it was above and beyond of that which is expected.
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Back OT - I have a GSM with NI clasp, and somehow managed to be awarded an LSGC, despite youthful transgressions. A NDM would be nice to recognise the challenges faced during three long tours standing about in BAOR...
Pumas?
CG
Back OT - I have a GSM with NI clasp, and somehow managed to be awarded an LSGC, despite youthful transgressions. A NDM would be nice to recognise the challenges faced during three long tours standing about in BAOR...
Pumas?
CG
Trust me, no one stands in a Puma over the age of about 7, unless suffering from dwarfism or previously rang the bells at Notre Dame Cathedral
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Diginagain,
The process is quite simple, but there are many shysters out there. One I found earlier this week, has offices in South America. This data (out today) is the biggest issue though. We're living longer, women especially so. When you're presented with a massive amount to be transferred, one that you can spend on a Lambo, remind yourself that whilst it's in AFPS, it's guaranteed for life. If your wife outlives you, at least she has a pension for life. What value that peace of mind?
That doesn't mean it's better than a personal pension, just that it has guarantees that are different and unique. Personal pensions these days too, have unique benefits - such as the ability to leave it to someone when you die.. but that's not what a pension is for. I don't agree with the dogmatic clucking hens who suggest that it should never be moved, ever, but take regulated and authorised advice that you trust. What's right for your mate, might not be right for you.
There are a number of specialists who are happy to guide you through the process as it presently stands, but the door closes next April. AFPS understandably try to make it difficult, but it is possible to take control of your pot and make it work more efficiently. The reason I gave for this undertaking was along the lines of "I have no confidence that the Government will manage my pension in the most efficient manner."
That doesn't mean it's better than a personal pension, just that it has guarantees that are different and unique. Personal pensions these days too, have unique benefits - such as the ability to leave it to someone when you die.. but that's not what a pension is for. I don't agree with the dogmatic clucking hens who suggest that it should never be moved, ever, but take regulated and authorised advice that you trust. What's right for your mate, might not be right for you.
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Tankertrash,
I once walked into a room which contained General Mike Jackson. Cue stern silence at my lowly intrusion. He boomed "Ha, one man in theatre with hair longer than me".
Time for a sharp exit.
Apparently Monty was once inspecting a parade, and paused in front of a man who was wearing a solitary ribbon, that of the Territorial Efficiency Medal. The great man spoke,
"Do you know, you are the only man on this parade who has a medal which I don't have!"
"Do you know, you are the only man on this parade who has a medal which I don't have!"
Time for a sharp exit.
All valid points Al.
One thing about APFS75 that surprised me was discovering that my widow would only receive 50% of my AFPS pension provision, whereas, I have been assured, she would receive all of my private pension.
If your wife outlives you, at least she has a pension for life. What value that peace of mind?
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PN
Surely, an award must be deserved and awarded and not bought? Good lord, are we nothing more than political party donors? 
Question, if a NDM was approved and a proof copy minted but no medals issued, would you buy your own?
I know those who are indifferent, opposed, or already have a cheerful would say NO.
What do those in favour think if it was a question of buy your own? Could buy your own be extended to the QSJM?
I know those who are indifferent, opposed, or already have a cheerful would say NO.
What do those in favour think if it was a question of buy your own? Could buy your own be extended to the QSJM?
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Diginagain,
Correct, you always have had that chance and you may pass it (new legislation is complicated - sufficiently so that DC's press office completely balls'd up a press release about it this morning) on with much more freedom too these days. But don't forget, the amount you transfer out has to be managed by your widow and is subject to swathes of risks (longevity, inflation, currency, shortfall, investment etc). No right answer, or wrong, and everyone has different circumstances and 'Reduction in Yield' calculations.
Correct, you always have had that chance and you may pass it (new legislation is complicated - sufficiently so that DC's press office completely balls'd up a press release about it this morning) on with much more freedom too these days. But don't forget, the amount you transfer out has to be managed by your widow and is subject to swathes of risks (longevity, inflation, currency, shortfall, investment etc). No right answer, or wrong, and everyone has different circumstances and 'Reduction in Yield' calculations.
We're singing from the same songsheet, Al; every case needs to be viewed on its individual merits, but at least people may now be more aware that they actually have a choice to take control of a not-insignificant part of their future rather than leave it in the hands of an inefficient organisation.
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Personally I would award a VC to all those killed in action as you cannot argue that it was above and beyond of that which is expected.
Thankfully you don't make the decision nut job.
S-D
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valour
ˈvalə/Submit
noun
great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
"the medals are awarded for acts of valour"
synonyms: bravery, courage, fearlessness, courageousness, braveness, intrepidity, intrepidness, pluck, pluckiness, nerve, backbone, spine, heroism, stout-heartedness, manliness, manfulness, audacity, boldness, gallantry, daring, spirit, fortitude, mettle, dauntlessness, doughtiness, hardihood; More
antonyms: cowardice
ˈvalə/Submit
noun
great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.
"the medals are awarded for acts of valour"
synonyms: bravery, courage, fearlessness, courageousness, braveness, intrepidity, intrepidness, pluck, pluckiness, nerve, backbone, spine, heroism, stout-heartedness, manliness, manfulness, audacity, boldness, gallantry, daring, spirit, fortitude, mettle, dauntlessness, doughtiness, hardihood; More
antonyms: cowardice
Sd can you think of a single act of valour higher than to give your life for your country, I can't, however not the place to discuss this
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Nutty, it's 60 for you. Shack- I have a pdf download but I can't find where I
got it! I can send it to you if you pm me an email. I'm worried that you'd need to be on AFPS 75 to qualify- I assume Nutloose (like me) is. Either way, it don't just happen, you have to apply in the 6 ish months before age 60 to get it. You can, if eligible, get a forecast now
got it! I can send it to you if you pm me an email. I'm worried that you'd need to be on AFPS 75 to qualify- I assume Nutloose (like me) is. Either way, it don't just happen, you have to apply in the 6 ish months before age 60 to get it. You can, if eligible, get a forecast now
Thanks CG, PM sent.
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NutJob, I think your argument on presenting the country's highest award for valour to all who fall in conflict is flawed, but I'm not going to be dragged into arguments of why. To be honest, you should be able to work that out for yourself. If it helps, I've put the requirements for a VC below:
Jon, no thank you, unless it caused you some confusion.
S-D
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.
I assume also that you are aware of The Elizabeth Cross?Jon, no thank you, unless it caused you some confusion.
S-D